CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Talking to myself as the NFL draft is exactly one month away.

Question: So who will the Browns take in the first round?

Answer: Not a quarterback, at least not at No. 4.

Q: You know that for a fact?

A: Not at all. But I believe that's the case. I'm convinced General Manager Ray Farmer and coach Mike Pettine want an impact player at No. 4.

Q: What about Johnny Manziel?

A: I'd be shocked if they took him. Perhaps I'm projecting my concerns about Manziel onto the Browns -- too much scrambling, high risk of injury. But I don't think they'd take a quarterback at No. 4.

Q: Would you?

A: The only one I'd consider is Teddy Bridgewater. I know he's a a slight 6-foot-2, but he looks more like an NFL quarterback in terms of how he runs a team and his college offense than Blake Bortles (Central Florida) or Manziel. But I'm not sure the Browns like him, compared to some of their other options.

Q: Wait a minute, why Bridgewater?

A: I quote this from Chris Fedor's story: "According to ESPN Stats & Information, last season Bridgewater posted a 70.1 percent completion rate when the opposing team sent five or more pass rushers, which was second-best in the nation. He also had an incredible 15-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio in that situation."

Q: OK, you love Bridgewater …

A: I like Bridgewater.

Q: And you think the Browns will skip a quarterback at No. 4. If you are right, then what?

A: There are big-time offensive linemen available, but I'd be shocked if they used the No. 4 pick on someone to block. Blocking is important, but this team is looking for players to make a major impact right now. That's why they signed four free agents who are at least 30 -- Nate Burleson, Karlos Dansby, Isaiah Trufant and Paul McQuistan. Andre Hawkins and Donte Whitner are 28. All of this screams, "WE GOTTA WIN SOME GAMES NOW!"

Q: So who do they draft?

A: In the excellent book on the 2011 New York Jets (Collision Low Crossovers), Pettine is one of the stars. He was the defensive coordinator. At one point, author Nicolas Dawidoff writes: "Pettine's theory of scouting held that you determine a player's peak level of skill, and then it was up to his coaches to get the player to play up to it consistently."

Q: Meaning what?

A: Meaning I'd pass on South Carolina pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney, but that may not be true of the Browns. They may not be scared off by his total of 3.0 sacks and 11.5 tackles for last last season -- by far, the worst of his three-year career. ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay believe he's the most talented player in the draft. And he may slip to No. 4. And the Browns may take him.

Q: Didn't you write they may take Khalil Mack at No. 4?

A: Yes, I did, in Sunday's notes. I prefer Mack over Clowney because I want production and potential at No. 4. I don't know how the Browns view the two players. I do know that Pettine loves speed and pass rushers. You know how Tribe manager Terry Francona can't have enough relievers? That's how Pettine is with pass rushers. That's why Mack and Clowney are real possibilities.

Q: What about Sammy Watkins?

A: He also makes sense. He's a big-time receiver, a true playmaker. The idea of Josh Gordon and Watkins together makes so much sense.

Q: Why not wait until later in the draft for a receiver?

A: This is supposed to be a strong draft for receivers. Maybe that's why they grab a defensive player at No. 4 and wait for the receiver. But I believe the Browns are looking at Watkins, Mack and Clowney at No. 4. I heard a while ago that they liked Bridgewater the best of any quarterback, but I'm not sure if that remains true. Even if it does, do they pass up some of these other players for Bridgewater? I'm not sure they do.

Q: So you don't want a quarterback?

A: I absolutely want one in this draft. It could be at No. 26, or in the second round. But I want the Browns to draft at guy at No. 4 who is a Pro Bowl-caliber player right away. And I want them to look at other positions such as inside linebacker (talk about thin), wide receiver, offensive line and cornerback.

Q: How about running back?

A: Signing Ben Tate really helped, but picking one low in the draft is OK. Remember, the Browns have 10 picks.

Q: So how can they mess it up?

A: One word: 2012.

Q: That's one word?

A: That's one draft … with 11 picks. Guess how many are still with the team two years later?

Q: How do I know? Not enough?

A: Four.

Q: Four?

A: Four out of 11: Mitchell Schwartz, John Hughes, Travis Benjamin and Billy Winn.

Q: I guess that's only four.

A: And only Schwartz started every game. I like Hughes, Winn and Benjamin. But that's not much. And long gone are the likes of Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden, James-Michael Johnson, Ryan Miller, Samuel Acho, Trevin Wade and Brad Smelley.

Q: Thanks a lot, Mr. Sunshine, is that the best you can do?

A: I think this front office can do better than the 2012 model. … Oh, do I hope so, for the sake of the fans.

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